Thursday, December 31, 2009

I like the pattern, I like the faux fur fabric, and I like the bronze organza lining. I just think these things do not go together. I have more of this faux fur so I may try again with a different pattern.

This is Simplicity 2756, part of their Project Runway inspired collection of patterns. I really like this, but then, I really like most peasant tops. I think the sleeves need to be gathered below the elbows to make it look like the style elements all belong together. I really love the color and so does Jeff. I should really wear more blue.

Monday, December 28, 2009

These patterns are in the printed catalog for McCall's, and at the store (Hancock's is having a sale!) but not on the McCall's web site and not in the PatternReview.com database. Weird. Anyway, I picked these up yesterday.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

I made this on Christmas day, after we came home from dinner with Jeff's family. I had cut it out the night before, and it went together in a couple of hours. I love this fabric--I stalked it on eBay for several weeks before buying it. It's not my usual color choice but I'm glad now that I decided to try something new.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

This is a Burda World of Fashion top, the famous bateau from February of 2009. I had all kinds of issues with the neckline on this one, tried all sorts of fixes but things didn't click for me until I made some other tops using staystitching to stabilize the neckline. This time I tried it, it worked. Yay! I'll be making tons more of these t-shirts, I'm sure!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

My sewing stuff has been staged at various places around the house: the office, the laundry room, the hall closet, the dining room. In a fit of pique, today I spent several hours migrating things to Simon's old "home office" and made myself a proper sewing room.

Here's most of my fabric stash. Did I mention that I have more than 200 yards? I do.

I got this fabric from bestonlinefabrics, an eBay vendor. I love the selection of knits this vendor carries. I'm also enthusiastically embracing stash reduction and this turned out to be a nice, quick way to get rid of 1.5 yards of fabric. Anyway, I love the colors, even though they are decidedly springlike and not at all Christmassy.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

I went to a thrift store looking for attachments for my recently acquired Singer 201, and this girl followed me home:

It's a Singer 401, Slant-O-Matic. Not sure how it followed me home, but it does come with attachments, desk and manual. A quick search on the net finds similar models listed on eBay for $300+. I paid $70 and got all kinds of cool-looking feet and whatnot.

Monday, November 23, 2009

I got this fabric in the clearance aisle of Jo Ann's during one of their 1/2 red tag specials. I got three yards for $2.50 each and I have fabric left over. So this dress cost me less than $8, including the cost of the fabric and pattern. I'm going to make something cute for the baby with the leftover fabric.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

These are recent purchases from bestonlinefabrics on eBay. Both have a satiny finish. The first is a knit and the second a burnout satin. I'm thinking the blue/green fabric would make a gorgeous blouse with shoulder gathers, and the second could be the basis of my graduation dress.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

After some deliberation, I finally made Charlotte's winter jacket. It is still in the 70s here, so I am ahead of schedule. I have enough fleece for a heavier jacket, should it become necessary this winter.